2003 Honda Accord vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Accord (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Accord weights approximately 227 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Accord, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Honda Accord (218 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Accord | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1382 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.4 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 50 L |
